33-Year-Old Pays $2,146 a Month for 556-Sq-Ft Studio in California Furnished ‘Almost Entirely with Costco’: Take a Look Inside

At age 32, after 12 years of living rent-free with my parents in the San Francisco Bay Area, I was ready to move into my own place.

I had $400,000 saved and had the opportunity to take the plunge, but whether it was because of uncertain income streams, the desire to travel and especially the financial benefits of staying put, whatever Something stopped me. Until November 2023, when I visited a friend at his Fremont, California apartment complex.

When I walked in, I felt like I was at home. As luck would have it, when I was leaving, I met my friend’s neighbors, a couple who were canceling their lease. My instincts told me it was the right time.

After a few hours and some paperwork, I got a four-month sublet from them for $2,000 a month. months. It was the perfect transitional space. Once my sublet was up in April, I moved into a 556-square-foot studio in the same complex for $2,146 a month.

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The building is 10 minutes from the studio I built next to my parents’ house where I teach my music students, and less than 10 minutes drive from two popular local Costco stores. This may seem like a strange benefit to look for in real estate, but for me it was a huge asset.

In total, I spent more than $5,000 to equip my house almost entirely with Costco products.

Costco was a shopping staple for my family growing up. And in 2013, I started going there all the time after work, browsing the aisles and testing samples while waiting out the rush-hour traffic.

Over time, Costco has become more than just a store to me: it’s a place where I belong and feel like myself. My love for it inspired me to create my Instagram account, Costco Claudia.

Since launching in the winter of 2022, Costco Claudia has become a creative outlet and a source of income. I primarily post videos of myself modeling women’s clothing in the store on this account, and I currently have 191,000 followers and growing. While I’ve never worked directly with or for Costco, I have had partnerships with brands that the company carries.

I currently make around $7,000 per month as an influencer and $5,000 per month from my job as a piano teacher.

One of the most surprising and rewarding aspects of this experience was the incredible positivity I received from my Costco Claudia community. They offered me so much comfort and solidarity when I felt most alone, especially when I discovered my PMDD and lived alone.

Their support helped me through some of my most difficult times.

For utilities, I spend about $102 per month: $27 for water and trash, $30 for internet, and $45 for electricity. Take a look inside:

My kitchen is a space to recharge and get ready for the day

Over the years, I’ve collected a bunch of items that were discounted at Costco sales: glasses, plates, bowls, my NutriBullet, a Brita filter, and lots of snacks.

What I really rely on in my kitchen is my coffee machine and the garage “work table” – both found at Costco – which doubles as my kitchen table. It’s sturdy and pairs well with the faux fur sheepskins I use to cover my chairs.

I surround myself with greenery and music in my living room

After a long day of teaching, I love to relax in my cozy living room. My growing forest of monsteras and succulents adds a touch of greenery and calm to the space.

I love lying on my couch and getting lost in classical music on my piano. Surrounded by blankets, sheepskin rugs, pillows and a stylish tray, it’s the perfect way to recharge after a busy day.

My bathroom is both luxurious and pragmatic

In my bathroom, the essentials that I can’t live without: my gold hoop earrings, my two pairs of glasses and my contact lenses that I wear every day.

When I first moved, I found all the basics I needed at Costco: towels, hand towels, a shower curtain, a soap dispenser, and rugs. When allergy season hits, tissue paper is a lifesaver because they sell it in bulk.

The real bargain in my bathroom is the perfume which is usually $200 at other stores but $69.99 at Costco. I have two of these, and they have become my favorite scents.

My room is a haven of peace

My $250 bed frame paired with my $500 mattress are very comfortable. I have two sets of Kirkland Signature 680 thread count sheets that I purchased when they were on sale. I love my down blanket and have another favorite that I bought for $12.

In fabric side baskets I store my Costco pajamas, so everything is tidy and organized. I also love my Shark Roomba, which cleans my apartment when I’m not there.

An outdoor space with possibility

The outdoor area is not yet fully developed. So far, my Costco paddle board is the centerpiece.

I moved during the winter, but now that summer is upon us, I’m hoping to expand the space soon. I have my eye on some discounted outdoor patio sets.

My apartment may be small and cozy, but it’s a testament to the opportunities I’ve been given by sharing my passion with others. Ultimately, this space truly feels like me. I’ve created an oasis here.

Claudia Chee is a San Francisco Bay Area native and former Google employee turned entrepreneur. Today, she is a piano teacher, owner of Claudia’s music studioand a social media influencer who loves to share her love of Costco on Instagram.

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